Humanitarian Health

Educational Objectives

This certificate program focuses on humanitarian assistance in the international health context. The program is a major educational activity of the Center for Humanitarian Health. The Center receives technical assistance from the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Pan American Health Organization, the UN High Commission for Refugees, and various humanitarian agencies and organizations. Graduates will be able to:

Identify specific health (including psychosocial and mental health) needs of populations affected; plan and implement activities to meet these needs, and monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of assistance provided.

Understand the principles of organization and administration of relief services in collaboration and cooperation with local and international non-governmental organizations, host governments, military forces and United Nations agencies.

Use epidemiologic skills to collect, analyze, and use information about natural and man-made disasters.

Identify disease outbreaks and to know how to contain them in a timely manner.

Know the public health consequences of natural disasters and their management.

Outline the basic requirements for a food and nutrition program for a disaster-affected population.

Use the basic principles of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and human rights principles to understand the protection needs of displaced populations and to identify and document abuses.

Have a basic understanding of the political environment and use this to explain the various forces that affect population displacement.

Eligibility

The certificate program is open to masters and doctoral students currently enrolled in a degree program at the Bloomberg School of Public Health who may be working to improve the health of displaced populations in the future. MAS degree students are not eligible to apply. MPH students who have a major career interest in humanitarian emergencies and human rights are encouraged to pursue the MPH Health in Crisis concentration.The concentration is more extensive and includes a seminar and regular discussion opportunities.

Admissions Process

Applicants should review the How to Apply page for information about eligibility and special instructions. The certificate program's review committee will review the applications and notify each applicant of their admissions decision.

Requirements for Successful Completion

The certificate program requires a minimum of 18 credits. All required and elective courses must be taken for a letter grade and a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 in all certificate courses is required. The certificate program length is flexible; it varies from student to student; however, the certificate must be completed within three years.

The student should review the section of the website that addresses completion before completing certificate program requirements. The student's transcript will not indicate that the certificate was earned until the Notification of Completion has been submitted and verified by the certificate program and processed by the Registrar. In addition, students completing the certificate must submit this form via e-mail to the certificate faculty sponsor.

Course of Study

Students should check the course catalog to confirm when the course is offered. The term and time may change from what is listed in the table below and some courses are only offered every other year. Students should also check for prerequisites and whether instructor consent is required.

Other Elective Courses: Students must complete courses listed below to attain a total of 18 certificate credits. Courses are organized in tracks, but students may opt to select courses from a single track to develop a more focused topical or methodological area of expertise or can select courses from across tracks, as desired.

Contact Information

Gainful Employment Program Information

At this time non-degree students enrolling in this certificate program are not eligible for federal aid. You may, however, pursue private education loans to assist you in meeting your program costs. Contact our Financial Aid Office with any questions.